Maxine E. Jones

MAXINE ELIZABETH JONES was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 3, 1942, and she peacefully transitioned on December 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by generosity, laughter, strength and unconditional love.

 Maxine was the kind of woman whose heart stayed open and whose door stayed unlocked; if you were hungry, she fed you; if you were struggling, she helped you; and if you needed guidance, comfort, or just a good laugh, she showed up without hesitation. Her pantry, her resources, and her wisdom were always available to family, friends, and anyone in need, because helping people was not something she performed; it was simply who she was. She had a sharp, joyful sense of humor and loved to laugh even when life was heavy, and she found peace in reading, maintaining a prolific library that reflected her curiosity and love of learning. She enjoyed a good movie or television series, but nothing compared to the love she had for her son and her grandchildren, who were the true center of her world and whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally.

 As the oldest sister of Carolyn and Augustus, affectionately known as Lil’ Gus, Maxine was known for being protective and unshakably loyal to her siblings, and it was often said that if you messed with them, you would have to answer to her. 

She was a proud graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Class of 1960, and she treated her classmates as extended family, staying closely connected and often bringing people together through shared memories and gatherings. 

Maxine devoted more than thirty years of service to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she worked in patient registration and outpatient services, becoming a familiar and steady presence to countless patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, carrying her natural compassion, patience, and dignity into her work so that people felt seen, respected, and cared for from the very first point of contact. 

She was baptized at Mount Olive Free Will Baptist Church and remained a devoted member of Memorial Baptist Church until her health made attendance difficult, though her faith never wavered. 

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvia B. and Augustus A. Fleet; her brother, Augustus “Lil’ Gus”; her first husband, Michael; her second husband, Reginald; and her beloved son, Charles. 

She leaves to cherish and carry her memory her sister, Carolyn; her grandchildren, Charles M., Maxine, and Michael; her daughter-in-law, Aurora; a devoted friend and former daughter-in-law, Catherine; her nieces and nephews, Darrell, Gregory, Khywanda, Eb, Anana, Collette, and Augustus; a dedicated and loving sister-in-law, Charlene; caring cousin, Sandra (Poochie); Elvera and Laverne along with a host of extended family members, friends, classmates, and all whose lives were touched by her love. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Keswick for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Maxine. They also wish to lovingly acknowledge Mamie Blackledge, Maxine’s lifelong friend since the age of 10, and Derrick Mondowney for their steadfast presence, care, and support. 

Maxine will always be remembered for her open hands, her full heart, and a laugh that could light up a room, having built not just memories, but a foundation of love that will stand for generations.